Mayberry Days® Contests
Whether you train all year or are "just one big muscle" like Barney Fife (they're wiry), Mayberry Days has a contest for you. Games of skill, agility and intellect - something for everyone with trophies or bragging rights to the winners.
MAYBERRY DAYS® GOLF TOURNAMENT (AKA "THE EMMETT")
Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Cross Creek Country Club, Mount Airy, NC
The golf tournament is held in memory of Emmett Forrest, the Keeper of the Flame, avid golfer and true friend to everyone he met, whether on the links or at the Andy Griffith Museum.
For all registered golfers, Mayberry Days starts Thursday at Cross Creek with a review of the rules for this "Sheriff's Choice" tournament at High Noon. Ernest "Tee" Off is at 12:30 p.m. for the shotgun start. Hole sponsors add something special to each hole and Special Guests and tribute artists move around the course with refreshments and laughs. Teams compete for trophies, awards and bragging rights for the year.
Individuals or pairs are welcome to golf and will be assigned to a team before the tournament.
PICKLE TOSS
Friday at 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.
By the Information Tent in front of the Andy Griffith
Playhouse
Photo opportunities, pickle games and fun!
Win pickles from Mt. Olive Pickles in the Pickle Toss until they are gone. (They're much better than Aunt Bee's kerosene cucumbers).
MR. TUCKER APPLE PEELING CONTEST
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
In
front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse
Remember the TAGS episode "Man in a Hurry" when Andy peels an apple without breaking the peel? If you have a steady hand and keen eye, you can sign up at the Information Shelter and get your apple and peeler to try for the longest continuous peel during the festival. There is no time limit, but if you start, be sure to finish before you take a nap in the rocking chair.
Trophy awarded at the Information Shelter on Saturday at 4 p.m.
PORK CHOP SANDWICH EATING CONTEST
Friday starting at 1:30 p.m.
Snappy Lunch
Downtown Mount Airy
If you are feeling extra hungry, plan to compete in the world famous pork chop sandwich contest at Mayberry Days (the record is 8!). Entrants must notify Seth prior to eating if they wish to be in the competition. Obey all rules. For ages 18 and over.
As Olive says, "Does my heart good to see a thin person eat."
MAYBERRY DAYS® PIE EATING CONTEST
Hosted by Dixie Higgins of the "Oh brother, she's a dog" TAGSRWC Chapter
Friday at 2:00 p.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Still hungry after eating a pork chop sandwich? Come down and see how fast you can eat one of "Aunt Bee's Crustless Cream Pies" with the fastest eaters receiving trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place. Dixie's assistants will be providing special prizes and trophies. Be sure to check out the new aprons!
Register at the Information Shelter before 2:00 p.m. on Friday to compete. Two heats of competition - "Young'uns Young'uns Young'uns" and Adult "Hungry Buzzards."
This is an exciting event for the whole family.
"MAYBERRY MINUTEMEN" YOUTH TAGS TRIVIA CONTEST
Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Hosted by the "She called me Creatster" TAGSRWC Chapter
"Daylight's precious when you're a youngster" and so is knowing the answers to TAGS Trivia. If there is any doubt that today's generation does not enjoy a good television show, come out and see this contest as the younger TAGS fans (14 yrs and under) are "ready at a moment's notice with the answer."
To compete, purchase a $2 Trivia Fan (a great souvenir) at the Information Shelter in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse or at the Amphitheatre right before the event.
Prizes and trophies awarded to the top winners.
2022 Winners Mike Jones (1st) & Jim Sherrill (runner up)
MAYBERRY DAYS® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF TAGS TRIVIA
Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Hosted by the "Hearty Eatin' Men, Beautiful Delicate Women" TAGSRWC Chapter
Get ready to challenge the best of the best in this annual TAGS trivia contest. It's the "World Championship of TAGS Trivia"! To compete, purchase a $2 Trivia Fan at the Information Shelter in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse or at the Amphitheatre right before the contest.
Participation is open to all ages with prizes and trophies awarded to the top winners.
MAYBERRY DAYS HORSESHOE COMPETITION
Saturday at the pits behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot
The Horseshoe Tournament returns to Mayberry Days with new pits located in their original location behind the Playhouse Parking Lot. The tournament starts at a new time, 11:30 a.m. and the winner will be awarded a trophy.
Sign up to compete at the Information Tent in front of the Playhouse starting Friday morning.
"CHESTER JONES" CHECKERS TOURNAMENT (Youth and Adult)
Saturday at 12 Noon
SAC Arts Center (across the street from the Andy Griffith Playhouse)
Hosted by Dennis Beal "The King of Mayberry" and the Mayberry Chapter of TAGSRWC
Practice on the new granite checkers tables at the Arts Center during the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. then challenge friends and family and try to become the Youth or Adult Checkers Champion of Mayberry Days. A limited number of spaces are available, so register at the Information Shelter with a $2 entry fee for a chance to win this year's trophy by winning the most games.
The checkers tables will be available all during the festival for anyone to enjoy for fun or practice.
Sign up and pay to compete at the Information Tent in front of the Playhouse starting Friday morning.
"Chester Jones, you're a two-faced, cheatin' liar!" - Jud
MAYBERRY DAYS® WHISTLING COMPETITION
Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Free
Compete for trophies for the best Youth (age 12 and under) and Adult divisions whistling the theme song of our favorite television show.
Sign up to compete at the Information Tent in front of the Playhouse starting Friday morning.
"MAYBERRY IDLE" COMPETITION
Saturday at the Blackmon Amphitheatre
Do you want to be a star at Mayberry Days? "Mayberry Idle" is a talent contest at a much slower pace with your chance to perform to the crowd at the Blackmon Amphitheatre. The top winners are invited to perform at Colonel Tim's Evening show! Space is limited for performers and sign up begins on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the Information Shelter in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
Judges will provide commentary and discussion between acts. Remember it's Mayberry Days, so "if it ain't kind, don't say it."
Sign up to compete at the Information Tent in front of the Playhouse starting Friday morning.
